The Hawaii Tourism Authority expects to set new records in 2014 with an estimated 8.25 million visitor arrivals spending $14.69 billion. However, for 2015, the HTA hopes for even better numbers and would like to have 8.41 million travelers visit the islands and spend $15.11 billion. David Uchiyama, the vice president of brand management for HTA, noted that Hawaii's tourism industry had a very strong 2012 and 2013, but that the emergence of more competitive destinations have lured some domestic travelers away from the 50th state. Uchiyama stated, "Other destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean are trending behind us in the recovery and that's hurt us to a degree because they are very aggressive. Going into 2015 we'll see growth continue, but it's not going to be as big as it was in the past. It's no secret that the percentage of growth is starting to narrow. We'll end up ahead of 2013 in 2014, not as much as first projected but still decent growth."
Mike McCartney, the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, commented, "Just because we've reached record levels doesn't mean that we are out of the woods. Other countries are gaining on us. We cannot be complacent. We want to remind everyone that this is the time to work even harder."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 8-24-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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